Visa & Entry Requirements

✓ Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of 41 countries can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), including most of Western Europe (UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, etc.), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and others.

📋 Visa Required

Citizens of countries NOT in the VWP must apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa at a US embassy or consulate. This includes most of South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, etc.), Turkey, South Africa, most of Africa, and many Asian countries.

B1/B2 visa interviews can have wait times of weeks to months depending on the embassy. Some embassies in high-demand countries have backlogs exceeding 6 months. Start your application NOW if you plan to attend. Having a match ticket does NOT grant any special visa treatment. Apply online via the DS-160 form at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

💡 Border Crossing Tips

• ✓Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in the US
• ✓ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires — you may already have one from a previous trip
• ✓You can stay up to 90 days per visit under the VWP
• ✓Land border crossings from Canada and Mexico require the same ESTA/visa as air travel
• ✓Global Entry or TSA PreCheck speeds up airport security significantly — apply early if you travel to the US often
• ✓US Customs may ask about your travel plans. Having your match schedule and hotel bookings ready helps

✓ Visa-Free Countries

US citizens can enter Canada with just a valid passport — no visa or eTA needed. Citizens of most EU countries, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and others are visa-exempt but need an eTA.

📋 Visa Required

Citizens of countries requiring a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) must apply at a Canadian visa office. This includes Brazil, India, Philippines, Nigeria, and many others. Processing times vary by country.

Canadian visa processing is generally faster than the US, but during peak periods (like a major sporting event), expect delays. Biometrics may be required at a visa application centre. Apply at least 2-3 months in advance.

💡 Border Crossing Tips

• ✓Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada
• ✓eTA is linked to your passport electronically — no printout needed, but keep your confirmation email
• ✓eTA is valid for 5 years or until passport expiry
• ✓If you're driving from the US to Canada, you don't need an eTA — but you need a valid passport
• ✓Toronto matches are at BMO Field, easily accessible from downtown. Vancouver matches are at BC Place, right in the city center
• ✓Currency is Canadian Dollars (CAD), not USD. Cards and contactless payments accepted almost everywhere
• ✓Duty-free alcohol limits: 1.5L wine or 1.14L spirits per person entering Canada

✓ Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of the US, Canada, EU/Schengen countries, UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and many others can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days. Mexico has one of the most permissive entry policies among the host countries.

📋 Visa Required

Very few nationalities need a Mexican visa if they already hold a valid US visa or permanent residency. If you have a valid US B1/B2 visa, Canadian PR, or Schengen visa, you can enter Mexico without a separate Mexican visa.

For the small number of nationalities requiring a dedicated Mexican visa, apply at your nearest Mexican consulate. Processing is usually 2-4 weeks. Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey each host matches — factor in which cities you'll visit.

💡 Border Crossing Tips

• ✓If you have a valid US visa or Green Card, you can enter Mexico visa-free regardless of nationality
• ✓Keep your FMM form safe — you'll need to surrender it when leaving Mexico
• ✓Land border crossings from Texas to Monterrey are common. Carry your passport and any US visa documents
• ✓Mexico City is at 7,350 ft altitude. Give yourself a day to adjust before match day
• ✓Tap water is not safe to drink in Mexico. Stick to bottled water, even for brushing teeth
• ✓Currency is Mexican Pesos (MXN). Cards accepted in tourist areas but carry cash for markets and street food